Graduation Requirements for ESE Students

(Children in ESE with learning process and cognitive deficits (i.e. autism, etc.)

There have been several questions about what the Legislature came up with at the end of last year regarding ESE students on a Regular Diploma Track and questions are still being asked about this year.

The course code directory has been updated and now states:

"In accordance with Rule 6A-1.0943, FACT, students with disabilities who have an IEP may be eligible for consideration for a special exemption from the grade 10 FCAT under extraordinary circumstances where the results of the administration of the FCAT would reflect a student's impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills rather than a student's achievement.

Extraordinary circumstances are defined as physical conditions that affect a student's ability to communicate in modes acceptable though accommodation of the FCAT.  Extraordinary circumstances are events or conditions that prevent the student from physically demonstrating mastery of skills that have been acquired and/or measured by the test.  Learning process deficits and cognitive deficits do not constitute extraordinary circumstances.

A request for a special exemption must be made by the school district superintendent at least one semester before the student's anticipated graduation date.  The request is sent to the Commissioner of Education and must include documentation specified in Rule 6A-1.09431 (2), FAC.

Students granted a request for a special exemption from the grade 10 FCAT must meet all other criteria for graduation with a standard diploma."